Needs a victory in the Flamingo Stakes, where he'll be the big fish for a change. Doesn't have to worry about a Monarchos flying by or a Songandaprayer loose on the lead. A big race here and it's on to Louisville.

Have a feeling this little guy is the real thing, but he'll have to show it against Louisiana Derby winner Fifty Stars in Lone Star Derby. If he can duplicate that turn of foot, he'll put himself right in the Derby picture.

All depends on USDA quarantine regulations, due to hoof and mouth disease, and whether they can get another race in him in Dubai before coming to States. No doubt a very talented and gutsy colt, but one start before the Derby is asking a lot.

Should be tested by Hoovergetthekeys in Lone Star Derby. Question is whether he was handed the Louisiana Derby or was the best horse regardless of all the problems behind him. No early speed and must depend on honest pace.

Turned in another solid work, breezing 5 furlongs in 1:00 3/5. The key is whether he can relax behind Crafty C.T. Was too on the muscle early in San Rafael, and is not using his stamina to best advantage. Would like to see what he can do taking back and making one big run.

Back working, breezing 5 furlongs in 1:01 3/5 at Gulfstream. He'll ship to Keeneland April 4 for Blue Grass and will have one work over the track. Didn't seem to care for the loose surface at Gulfstream in the Florida Derby and should bounce back at Keeneland, especially with the shorter stretch. Very talented colt who is capable winning a big one on any given day.

Drilled sharp 5 furlongs in :59 1/5. Will be at a disadvantage in Santa Anita Derby, which is expected to draw a small field. Has to be able to show more speed and still have a closing kick. Has shown disdain for getting dirt kicked in his face, so he'll have to be carefully placed for the first half-mile.

Cassidy said he looked better after the San Felipe than before. Also said he's still a baby and green, mentally, so there is room for improvement in that area. Was striding out beautifully in stretch. Can run on dirt or grass, short or long. Pedigree has excellent blend of speed and stamina, and he definitely looks like a horse who is just finding himself.

The more we watch his monster move in the Louisiana Derby, the more we like him. Just seems to be getting good now for Tom Amoss. If the Louisiana Derby was legitimate, then so was his race. Look for another big move in the Arkansas Derby.

KNOCKING ON THE DOOR: Rebel winner CRAFTY SHAW is improving, but runner-up ARCTIC BOY took all the worst of it, going wide all the way. Consistent closer with a good turn of foot. Will be tough in Arkansas Derby. Also look for big improvement from lightly raced STRIKE IT SMART in Arkansas Derby. PERCY HOPE showed ability to win off the pace in Rushaway, but runner-up X COUNTRY took all the worst of it, going 6-wide all the way and closing well. OMMADON found his allowance race Wednesday, and a big effort will put him right in the picture for the Wood Memorial. SCORPION will try to rebound in Santa Anita Derby. Recent Gulfstream allowance winner DISTILLED, another Pletcher horse, aiming for Illinois Derby. McAnally leaving decision on EARLY FLYER up to owner, who has won Arkansas Derby. Tony Dutrow said BURNING ROMA likely heading for Federico Tesio, then Preakness.